عندي معرض للفن
'indi ma'rad lil-fann
I have an art exhibition
Literally: At me (I have) / exhibition / for the art
In 15 Seconds
- Used to announce you are hosting or starring in an art show.
- Combines 'I have' with the specific word for exhibition.
- Perfect for social announcements, invitations, or professional networking.
Meaning
This phrase is used to announce that you are hosting or participating in an art exhibition. It is a proud statement of creative accomplishment used by artists and curators.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a close friend
يا صديقي، عندي معرض للفن يوم السبت، لازم تيجي!
My friend, I have an art exhibition on Saturday, you must come!
Professional networking
أنا فنانة تشكيلية وعندي معرض للفن في وسط المدينة.
I am a visual artist and I have an art exhibition downtown.
A humorous moment with a messy room
غرفتي فوضى، كأني عندي معرض للفن الحديث!
My room is a mess, it's like I have a modern art exhibition!
Cultural Background
The Arab art world has seen a massive renaissance in cities like Doha and Riyadh. An exhibition is often a major social event involving family and the local community. It represents a bridge between traditional heritage and modern creative expression.
Add the Location
Always follow up with 'fi' (in) and the location to sound more natural, like `عندي معرض للفن في دبي`.
Don't confuse with 'Visiting'
If you say `Indi ma'rad` people will expect to see YOUR work. If you are just going to see art, say `Rayih ma'rad` (I'm going to an exhibition).
In 15 Seconds
- Used to announce you are hosting or starring in an art show.
- Combines 'I have' with the specific word for exhibition.
- Perfect for social announcements, invitations, or professional networking.
What It Means
This phrase is your moment to shine. It literally means I have an art exhibition. In Arabic, the word ma'rad (exhibition) comes from the root arada, which means 'to show' or 'to present'. When you say this, you are telling the world you have something beautiful to display. It is not just about the paintings. It is about the hard work behind the scenes.
How To Use It
You use this as a direct statement. It is very versatile. You can say it to a friend over coffee. You can put it in a formal invitation. If someone asks what you are doing this weekend, this is your 'mic drop' answer. Just remember to sound humble but excited.
When To Use It
Use it when you are the artist. Use it if you are the gallery owner. It works perfectly when networking at a social event. If you are texting a group chat to invite friends, this is the lead sentence. It is a great way to start a conversation about your passions.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are just visiting a gallery. That would be ana fi ma'rad (I am at an exhibition). Using indi (I have) implies ownership or a lead role. Also, do not use it for a small private showing at home. That might feel a bit too formal or grand.
Cultural Background
Art is a massive part of modern Arab culture. From Dubai to Beirut, the art scene is booming. Having an exhibition is a sign of high social and intellectual standing. It is a moment for community gathering. People do not just look at art; they socialize and drink plenty of coffee.
Common Variations
You might hear indi ma'rad suwar for a photography show. Or indi ma'rad khass for a solo exhibition. If you are nervous, you might say ma'radi al-awwal (my first exhibition). This adds a touch of vulnerability that people find very charming.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you actually have a role in the exhibition, otherwise, you're just a visitor!
Add the Location
Always follow up with 'fi' (in) and the location to sound more natural, like `عندي معرض للفن في دبي`.
Don't confuse with 'Visiting'
If you say `Indi ma'rad` people will expect to see YOUR work. If you are just going to see art, say `Rayih ma'rad` (I'm going to an exhibition).
The 'Insha'Allah' Factor
When announcing your exhibition, friends will often say `Mabrouk!` (Congratulations) and you should reply with `Insha'Allah` if the date is in the future.
Examples
6يا صديقي، عندي معرض للفن يوم السبت، لازم تيجي!
My friend, I have an art exhibition on Saturday, you must come!
The tone is excited and personal, using 'must' as a friendly invitation.
أنا فنانة تشكيلية وعندي معرض للفن في وسط المدينة.
I am a visual artist and I have an art exhibition downtown.
Establishes professional identity before stating the event.
غرفتي فوضى، كأني عندي معرض للفن الحديث!
My room is a mess, it's like I have a modern art exhibition!
A playful way to use the phrase to describe chaos.
يتشرف الفنان بدعوتكم، حيث عندي معرض للفن المعاصر.
The artist is honored to invite you, as I have a contemporary art exhibition.
Uses formal 'honored to invite' phrasing.
أخيراً، بعد سنوات من التعب، عندي معرض للفن.
Finally, after years of fatigue, I have an art exhibition.
Expresses relief and pride in a long-term goal.
كل شيء بخير، عندي معرض للفن الشهر القادم.
Everything is good, I have an art exhibition next month.
A casual update on life events.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to tell someone you have an exhibition tomorrow.
غداً، ___ معرض للفن في الغاليري.
The word `indi` (I have) is the correct way to indicate you are hosting the event.
Choose the correct word for 'Art'.
عندي معرض لـ ___.
`Al-fann` is the Arabic word for art.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Indi Ma'rad lil-Fann'
Telling a sibling about your project.
Hey, I have a show!
Standard way to announce to friends.
I have an art exhibition.
Official press release or invitation.
The artist announces an exhibition.
When to say 'I have an art exhibition'
At a Cafe
Updating friends on your hobby.
On LinkedIn
Professional career update.
Family Dinner
Sharing big news with parents.
Art Gallery
Introducing yourself to a curator.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesغداً، ___ معرض للفن في الغاليري.
The word `indi` (I have) is the correct way to indicate you are hosting the event.
عندي معرض لـ ___.
`Al-fann` is the Arabic word for art.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, al-fann is broad. It can cover sculpture, digital art, or even installations.
Yes, though some prefer ma'rad suwar (photo exhibition), ma'rad lil-fann is perfectly acceptable.
In this context, yes. You could say ladayya, but that sounds like a Shakespearean play—very formal!
Add atfaddal (please come) at the end. For example: عندي معرض للفن، تفضل!
You can say ana musharik fi ma'rad (I am a participant in an exhibition).
Yes! ma'rad al-kitab is a book fair, and ma'rad al-sayyarat is a car show.
The plural is ma'arid. So indi ma'arid would mean you have multiple exhibitions.
Yes, it is very standard (MSA) but used and understood in Egyptian, Levantine, and Gulf dialects.
You can say ma'radi (my exhibition). عندي معرضي الأول (I have my first exhibition).
It might sound a bit grand for a school project; mashru' fanni (art project) might be better.
Related Phrases
لوحة فنية
An artistic painting
افتتاح المعرض
The exhibition opening
فنان تشكيلي
Visual artist
دار عرض
Art gallery (house of display)